Fourier Transforming Sensors: a recondite source of major error

Fourier Transforming Sensors: a recondite source of major error

Fourier Transforming Sensors: a recondite source of major error

It is now possible to devise miniaturised sensors with substantial internal computing power. This makes commonplace the use of such mathematical procedures as Fourier Transformation within the sensor. It does not seem to be widely understood that, because of the properties of the well-known Fourier delay function, very large errors can be introduced by a normally negligible delay in the signal acquisition process. It is therefore essential to apply a special calibration process to such sensors when they are used in the stimulus-response mode.

Abstract

It is now possible to devise miniaturised sensors with substantial internal computing power. This makes commonplace the use of such mathematical procedures as Fourier Transformation within the sensor. It does not seem to be widely understood that, because of the properties of the well-known Fourier delay function, very large errors can be introduced by a normally negligible delay in the signal acquisition process. It is therefore essential to apply a special calibration process to such sensors when they are used in the stimulus-response mode.